The reactor is one of two 1,000-megawatt reactors for the plant, located about eight miles south of Fort Pierce.

Both reactors, combined, generate enough power to meet the annual needs of more than 1 million homes, according to FPL website.

FPL brought in more than 900 subcontractors to help with maintenance, Robbins said.

“Because this is such a specialized and detailed field, we have to draw contractors from all over the country,” Robbins said. The maintenance employees will provide a boost to local business such as hotels and restaurants, he said.

FPL began operating its St. Lucie Unit 1 in March 1976 with Unit 2 following in April 1983, according to FPL's website.